"No. Her dark complexion comes from Highland blood," explained Sybil. "Her father, Peter Darry, was a stone mason. He is dead now--died through drink. While working in Perth he married a farmer's daughter. They came back here and Pearl was born. Then her mother died and her father treated her badly. Mrs Jeal rescued her, and Peter fell over a cliff while drunk." "Mrs Jeal is a good woman," said Tempest, mechanically. "Do you endorse that statement, Miss Tempest?" Sybil looked at Pratt who had spoken. "I think Mrs Jeal was very good to take charge of Pearl," she said evasively, whereat Pratt smiled to himself. He saw that Sybil did not like the woman, and privately admired her insight. Mr Pratt was destined to deliver all his invitations verbally. On his way home after the vicar's luncheon he met with a rider on a roan horse. This was a fair, handsome young man with a clear skin, a pair of bright blue eyes and a sunny look on his face. He had a remarkably good figure, and rode admirably. Horse and man made a picture as they came up the road. Pratt waved his hands and the rider pulled up. "How are you this morning, Haverleigh?" Leo laughed. He did not wear his heart on his sleeve, and if he was worried, as Sybil averred, he did not show his vexation. "I am all right," he replied, with a smile. "Who could help being all right in this jolly weather? And how are you, Mr Pratt?" "I am busy," responded the American, gravely. "I have been lunching with the vicar, and now I am going home to write out invitations for a dinner at my new house." "Will you ask me, Mr Pratt?" "I have asked Miss Tempest and I want you to come." Leo laughed. Also he flushed a trifle. "It is very good of you," he said. "And who else will be at your house-warming?" "Mrs Gabriel, Mr Raston, Miss Hale and her brother." "Oh!" Leo looked annoyed at the mention of Miss Hale. "I am not sure if I shall be able to come," he said, after a pause. "No?" Pratt's tone was quite easy. "Miss Tempest said something about your going away. But I hope you will put that off. My dear fellow"--Pratt smiled meaningly--"you can depend upon me. It is not the first time I have helped you!" Haverleigh made no direct response, but sat on his saddle in deep thought. "I'll come," he said at length, and rode off abruptly. "I thought you would," murmured Pratt, with a bland smile. He knew more about Leo Haverleigh than most people in Colester. CHAPTER III THE LADY OF THE MANOR